Composed Near Calais, August 7th 1802 by William Wordsworth

Lyrics

Jones! as from Calais southward you and I Went pacing side by side, this public Way Streamed with the pomp of a too-credulous day When faith was pledged to new-born Liberty: A homeless sound of joy was in the sky: From hour to hour the antiquated Earth Beat like the heart of Man: songs, garlands, mirth Banners, and happy faces, far and nigh! And now, sole register that these things were Two solitary greetings have I heard "Good-morrow, Citizen!" a hollow word As if a dead man spake it! Yet despair Touches me not, though pensive as a bird Whose vernal coverts winter hath laid bare